Argentina Initiates Natural Gas Exports to Brazil via Bolivia’s YPFB

Argentina has begun exporting natural gas to Brazil for the first time through Bolivia’s YPFB. This involves gas from TotalEnergies’ Vaca Muerta field being transported via several pipelines. The Gasbol pipeline is set to increase its capacity, facilitating greater exports to Brazil. Meanwhile, Bolivia’s fuel supply has stabilized, significantly reducing queues at gas stations, as YPFB guarantees consistent distribution.

Argentina has commenced its first exports of natural gas to Brazil utilizing the infrastructure of Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB). This development, reported on Tuesday, involves gas sales from TotalEnergies extracted from the Vaca Muerta field in Neuquén province. The gas is transported through Argentina’s TGN and TGS pipelines to Salta and subsequently via Bolivia’s YPFB network, including the Madrejones pipeline, to Brazil, following a trilateral agreement established in late 2024.

The Brazil-Bolivia Gas Pipeline (Gasbol) has a maximum capacity of 30 million cubic meters per day. Currently, it operates at 10 million cubic meters but intends to increase capacity over five years to satisfy Brazil’s rising industrial energy needs. This strategy reflects Bolivia’s transition from merely exporting gas to leasing its pipeline infrastructures, which generates revenue and strengthens its position as a critical energy conduit in the Southern Cone region.

Simultaneously, Argentina’s ability to reinvigorate its energy sector indicates prospects for future investments in hydrocarbons. Initial gas shipments are set at 2 million cubic meters per day. Furthermore, YPFB President Armin Dorgathen reported that fuel supplies—gasoline and diesel—across Bolivia’s significant urban centers, including Santa Cruz, La Paz, and Cochabamba, have been stabilized, effectively reducing fuel queues at service stations.

YPFB currently distributes over 7.7 million liters of diesel and 8 million liters of gasoline daily, with additional shipments arriving at the Chilean port of Arica. Dorgathen refuted any claims regarding his departure from the country or allegations of inflated fuel prices, asserting that the pricing aligns with international standards while defending Bolivia’s fuel subsidy program.

He revealed that previously exported gas to Argentina would now be redirected to Brazil, where demand is higher and prices are more favorable. Additionally, Dorgathen noted the normalcy of fuel supply in Bolivia’s primary cities: “In Santa Cruz and La Paz, the queues to fill up gasoline have practically disappeared, which shows that we are managing to stabilize the supply,” indicating a significant improvement in supply management.

In conclusion, Argentina’s initiation of natural gas exports to Brazil via Bolivia marks a pivotal achievement in regional energy collaboration. This effort not only enhances Argentina’s energy sector but also reinforces Bolivia’s role as an energy intermediary. The stabilization of fuel supplies in Bolivia further supports regional energy security, showcasing a coordinated response to growing demands in Brazil. Overall, these developments highlight the importance of multi-national agreements in fostering sustainable energy distribution.

Original Source: en.mercopress.com